Diablo Games in Order: A Hellish Journey Through Time, Terror, and Triumph
Few game franchises summon the same dark allure as Diablo. Since its debut in 1996, this gothic action-RPG series has ensnared millions with its grim atmosphere, loot-driven gameplay, and relentless demonic hordes. But for newcomers—or even seasoned Nephalem returning after years—figuring out the Diablo games in order can feel like navigating the labyrinthine depths of Tristram Cathedral itself. Fear not. Whether you’re chasing lore, chronology, or just want to experience the saga as it unfolded, this guide illuminates the path through Sanctuary’s darkest chapters.
Why Play the Diablo Games in Order?
You might ask: Does sequence really matter? In most action games, perhaps not. But Diablo is different. Its narrative is a slow-burning apocalypse, a generational war against the Prime Evils—Diablo, Mephisto, and Baal. Each installment expands the mythos, deepens character arcs (yes, even amid all the loot), and escalates the stakes. Playing the Diablo games in order isn’t just about chronology—it’s about immersion. You witness the corruption of Tristram, the fall of the Horadrim, the rise of the Nephalem, and the cyclical nature of evil. Skipping ahead robs you of that crescendo.
Moreover, mechanically, each game builds on its predecessor. From the grid-based inventory of Diablo I to the fluid skill systems of Diablo IV, understanding the evolution enhances appreciation. Let’s walk the path—from candlelight to cataclysm.
1. Diablo (1996) — The Spark in the Dark
Our descent begins in Diablo, the game that defined the ARPG genre. You play as a lone hero—Warrior, Rogue, or Sorcerer—venturing beneath the cursed town of Tristram to confront the Lord of Terror. Its 2D sprite-based graphics and permadeath mode may feel archaic, but its oppressive atmosphere remains unmatched. The randomized dungeons, emergent storytelling, and haunting soundtrack (courtesy of Matt Uelmen) set a template still followed today.
Pro tip: Play the Diablo: Hellfire expansion for added classes and content, though it’s non-canon. For modern accessibility, try the Diablo I + Hellfire bundle on GOG—it runs flawlessly on current systems.
2. Diablo II (2000) & Lord of Destruction (2001) — The Golden Age
If Diablo I lit the fuse, Diablo II detonated the genre. Released just four years later, it refined everything: five distinct character classes (Amazon, Barbarian, Necromancer, Paladin, Sorceress), sprawling acts across varied continents, and an itemization system so deep it birthed entire economies. The Lord of Destruction expansion added the Assassin and Druid, plus Act V and the Worldstone saga.
This is where lore truly blooms. You track the Prime Evils across the world, witness the corruption of the hero from Diablo I, and ultimately shatter the Worldstone to stop Baal’s apocalyptic plan. The story’s emotional weight—especially the fall of the Dark Wanderer—hits harder when you’ve played the original.
Case in point: In 2021, Diablo II: Resurrected proved the game’s timeless appeal, selling over 5 million copies in its first two weeks. Why? Because playing the Diablo games in order lets you feel the weight of that legacy.
3. Diablo III (2012) & Reaper of Souls (2014) — Rebirth Amid Controversy
After a 12-year wait, Diablo III arrived amid massive hype—and initial backlash. Critics lambasted its always-online requirement, auction house (later removed), and brighter art style. Yet beneath the controversy lay a polished, accessible ARPG with stellar combat and six new classes (including the fan-favorite Demon Hunter and Witch Doctor).
The narrative picks up 20 years after Diablo II. Deckard Cain is older, wiser, and tragically mortal. The Prime Evils return, now fused into the singular entity known as the “Prime Evil.” The Reaper of Souls expansion introduces Malthael, the Angel of Death, and the Crusader class—widely regarded as the game’s high point.
Playing Diablo III after II reveals subtle callbacks: Tyrael’s fall from grace, the fate of the Worldstone shards, and the rise of a new generation of Nephalem. The emotional payoff—especially Cain’s death and the final battle atop the Crystal Arch—is amplified by prior knowledge.
4. Diablo IV (2023) — A Return to Darkness
Diablo IV marks a deliberate return to the franchise’s grim roots. Gone are the neon hues of Diablo III; in their place: rain-slicked forests, blood-drenched temples, and a morally ambiguous open world. You play as one of five classes (Barbarian, Sorcerer, Druid, Rogue, Necromancer) in a shattered Sanctuary ruled by Lilith, Daughter of Hatred.
Chronologically, Diablo IV takes place decades after Diablo III. The world is broken. Angels and demons wage war openly. Humanity scrapes by in the shadows. The story is darker, more personal, and deeply reactive to player choice. Side quests aren’t filler—they’re mini-tragedies that linger.
Playing the Diablo games in order